Respected former wrestling coach Zimbler to be honored on Aug. 10

Former Palmetto High School Coach Barry Zimbler is being recognized by the National Wrestling Hall of Fame (Florida Chapter) on Aug. 10.

Coach Zimbler is receiving the “John & Helen Vaughn Award,” which is designed specifically to recognize deserving people such as Coach Zimbler who is one of the early successful pioneers of Florida high school wrestling.

Zimbler is the very first winner of this special award for the state of Florida.

Coach Zimbler was supposed to have received this award last summer in Orlando during the same evening when astronaut and Plametto grad Dom Gorie was inducted into the Hall of Fame under the very fitting category of “Outstanding American.”

However, one of Zimbler’s daughters was expected to (and did) give birth to Zimbler’s first grandchild at that same time and he was unable to attend the ceremony. His award presentation therefore was delayed for one year and was planned for Orlando on Saturday,l Aug. 10.

Now because of another conflict Zimbler will receive this special award on the same evening — but in Miami. Coach Zimbler said he “would rather be surrounded by my wrestlers in a comfortable environment close to home.”

Former Palmetto High School wrestlers who want more information should contact Jeff Cutler at 305-785-7331.